A Guide to Dendrobium of the Philippines : Book Launching and Autograph Signing

The Philippines is considered as one of the centers of biodiversity for the genus. Home to at least 110 species which represents about 8 to 10% of the over 1,200 plus Dendrobium species that are found over a wide range of habitats . The Philippine Horticultural Society in partnership with Mr. Jim Cootes, League of Orchid Conservationists Philippines and other garden clubs and societies were invited to the grand launching held yesterday at the Tropical Garden within Quezon Memorial Circle.

Mr.Mickey Bustos

Mr. Mickey Bustos ( you tube, Internet sensation and television celebrity ) together with some of his friends. I think they were scouting for a place to shoot his latest video. People around the vicinity instantly recognized him and followed him wherever he went.

Ms. Ofelia Gelvezon- Tequi is an avid orchid collector and represented the French Orchid Society

Dr. Nelson T. Geraldino

Dr. Nelson T. Geraldino is from University of the Philippines – Manila , an avid Philippine orchid species collector, photographer, professor and doctor by profession. He had a collection of wide array of native orchid species ( and photographs) that were featured in several international publication, magazines and calendars.

( LOC-PHIL ) League of Orchid Conservationists -Philippines members

Quote:” Just came in from PHSI, where I introduced a person who needs no introduction. He brought a couple of orchid publications from Sydney, Australia, Orchids Australia February 2015 issue, where an article of his showed three of my photos of Bulbophyllum papulosum, and Orchid Digest July-Sept 2014 issue, where an article of his showed four photos of my Coelogynes. I got to have a free signed copy of Dendrobinae of the Philippines, where nine of my photos were published. Thank you very much, Jim Cootes . ”

Doctor John Cliffon Martyr is a long time Philippine orchid species collector . I met him several times at the Philippine Orchid Society shows . He is also breeding some orchids species native to his home province.

Mr. Jake Gaw and Ms. Ressie Paz-Navarro

Mr. Jake Gaw is the current president of Fern and Nature Lovers Society of the Philippines and ( Avilon Zoo) . He is an avid animal , fish , orchid and fern collector. Ms. Ressie Paz Navarro is also a exotic animal and native orchid species collector.

Every member of the organization had contributed something from setting of tents , shelling out money for catering services, bringing foods and regional delicacies which reflect the BAYANIHAN style of preparation. The mood was very festive and everyone had the opportunity to meet on-line friends .

fried banana flower chips

piyaya and biscuits

maja blanca

egg pancit

sapin-sapin

( Sweet Lab) Puto Macapuo from Novaliches, Quezon City

fried chicken loli pop

fried lumpia ( spring rolls)

brownies

sliced carrots, picama ( singkamas) young beans and cucumber

Ms. Rowena Aben Daquioag holding her famed cupcakes

For bulk orders : 0922-3807118

Note: The book is finally out of the press, I will rank this book at 8.75 – I wish it could be hardbound for several reasons . For schools and public libraries which may purchase this book , soft bound book tend to tear easily . Sanggumay- ( Dendrobium anosmum ) only three varieties were mentioned in pages- 28,29 and 30. Based on other orchid journals and magazine – There was around 5 to 7 varieties ( hope the author focused more on the other variation ) . Sanggumay is one of the most observed , studied and cultivated species and I think there is no reason why the author limited his description to just three. Photography is quite superb.

Cultural requirements and synonyms were not mentioned, despite some of the Dendrobium species are widely cultivated. Conservation status is also not mentioned . The 142 pages book is worth buying especially those collect and study Philippine native orchid species. This is quite handy